MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on the major Supreme Court ruling issued at 1 AM on Saturday blocking the Trump regime from sending a next wave of migrants to El Salvador until further notice.
In a significant late-night decision, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a temporary halt to the Trump administration’s deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century wartime law. This ruling, delivered around 1:00 a.m. on April 19, 2025, responds to concerns over due process violations in the administration’s recent immigration enforcement actions.Wikipedia+12Vanity Fair+12CBS News+12
Background on the Case
The Trump administration had invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan nationals, alleging affiliations with the Tren de Aragua gang, which it designated as a terrorist organization. Critics argue that this law, dating back to 1798, is being misapplied, especially since the U.S. is not formally at war with Venezuela. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed an emergency appeal, asserting that detainees were denied adequate notice and the opportunity to contest their deportations, with some receiving English-language notices despite being Spanish speakers. Vanity Fair+2Wikipedia+2Supreme Court of the United States+2Axios+1Vanity Fair+1Vox+1Wikipedia+1
Supreme Court’s Intervention
The Supreme Court’s brief, unsigned order temporarily blocks the deportations of Venezuelan migrants held at the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Texas. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, though their detailed opinions have not been released. This intervention signals the Court’s concern over the administration’s adherence to due process requirements in immigration proceedings. The Guardian+13NPR+13Axios+13Vox
Implications and Next Steps
This ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in checking executive actions, especially concerning immigration enforcement. The case underscores the ongoing legal debates over the balance between national security measures and individual rights. Further proceedings will determine the legality of using the Alien Enemies Act in this context and the appropriate processes for deportation.CBS News+7Vox+7Vanity Fair+7
For a detailed discussion on this development, you can watch the following news segment:
